From September 25 to 29, Pop Montreal will feature more than 200 shows spread over 20 venues — and that’s only their music programming. POP Montreal also features film programming, an industry symposium, art programming and, for the first time ever, a stand-up comedy segment.
To make sense of this sprawling and packed calendar of events, RANGE presents our top music picks to serve as entry points for the marathon long weekend of shows.
Iris DeMent @ Théâtre Rialto, Sept 25, 8 pm
Iris DeMent’s career spans more than 30 years and reads as a sort of shorthand for the trajectory of gospel folk in the USA. With a handful of Grammy nominations under her belt and some iconic duets with John Prine to her name, DeMent has solidified herself as one of the pillars of the folk scene since her debut in the early ‘90s.
Juana Molina @ La Sala Rossa, Sept 26, 8 pm
Despite a turbulent start to her music career, the Argentine avant-garde folktronic artist has established herself as one of the most forward-thinking artists in her country. Molina’s sound seamlessly shapes and shifts from one genre to another, flitting from psych to indie pop to neofolk, all infused with her signature experimentations with electronic music. Supremely chill and a trip worth taking, Juana Molina’s sets have been enchanting across Canada’s festival circuit this summer.
Los Bitchos @ MDP sur De Gaspé, Sept 27, 7 pm
Hailing from London, England, but, true to their sound, originating from diverse corners of the world like Australia, Uruguay and Sweden, Los Bitchos first made a splash on the global indie scene in 2020 with their fun-lovin’ and free-livin’ psych cumbia. Their mostly instrumental tracks seem effortlessly groovy and chill as they flick riff after riff into a frothy dance floor. They’ve been featured on Atlin Gun tracks, have toured with Mac DeMarco and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and have played some of the biggest festivals in North America and Europe, bring their infectious party with them wherever they go.
Population II @ Quai des brumes, Sept 28, 8 pm
We’re big fans of Population II here at RANGE. The emerging trio have made a name for themselves with their riff-driven, jammy, expansive post-punk that heralds the (perhaps inevitable) apocalypse of our times. Their antidote is to try and bring in some light through the cracks, but you’ll have to lose yourself in their vast landscape to see it shining.
STARS + The Dears: Set Yourself On Fire + No Cities Left 20th anniversary @ Théâtre Rialto, Sept 28, 8 pm
The STARS and The Dears’ 20th anniversary celebration of their iconic 2004 albums is perhaps one of the most anticipated sets of the festival. For an entire generation of indie music fans, both Set Yourself On Fire and No Cities Left were formative listening experiences. For this milestone event, both bands come out of semi-retirement for a special night celebrating the sound that defined Canadian indie pop in the early aughts.
OVAH the Rainbow Kiki Ball: A Be!zarre Ball @ Théâtre Rialto, Sept 27, 8 pm
For the uninitiated, kiki balls trace their origins to a century ago to the ballroom scene of the 1920s — and then again to the New York scene in the ‘80s amidst the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the increasing stigmatization of queer identities and spaces. Kiki spaces are reemerging in cities as safe, youth-led environments for pure, ecstatic LGBTQ community-building that reinforces their resiliency and expression. Presented by Be!zarre Ball, OVAH the Rainbow embodies the iconic characters of Wizard of Oz, promising a magical and mysterious journey towards eternal glory, all guided by Godmother Moohk Louboutin, Skittlez Poseida and, of course, the spirit of Oz itself.
